Thousands of passengers endured severe disruption at Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Dubai International Airport on Tuesday, as air travel in the region was thrown into chaos following the sudden closure of airspace over Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This unprecedented shutdown was triggered late Monday after Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Doha, escalating regional tensions and forcing airlines to cancel or reroute hundreds of flights.

At Doha airport, the impact was especially acute. More than 25,000 travelers were stranded, with Virgin Australia among the airlines reporting significant numbers of affected passengers. Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that around 250 flights were canceled and another 238 delayed at Hamad International.

Passengers described scenes of confusion and exhaustion, with queues stretching over 200 meters and some travelers waiting in line for more than nine hours with only water provided. Arguments broke out as frustrations mounted, and images of overcrowded terminals circulated widely on social media.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, also faced extensive disruption. About 145 flights were canceled and over 450 delayed, according to flight tracking data. Operations were briefly suspended across Dubai, compounding the backlog of stranded passengers and leading to long lines throughout the terminal.

The airspace closures forced major airlines—including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways—to suspend or reroute flights, with some carriers, such as Emirates, halting all services to Iran and Iraq through June 30.

Etihad suspended flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until July 15 and canceled several regional flights, while Gulf Air extended its suspension of flights to Jordan until June 27. Singapore Airlines and British Airways also canceled flights to and from the region, citing security concerns.

Although Qatar reopened its airspace early Tuesday, the effects of the closure continued to ripple through the region. Qatar Airways warned of “significant delays” and possible disruptions until at least June 26, as aircraft and crew remained out of position due to diversions to airports in Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain, and Dammam. The airline deployed extra staff at Hamad International and other key airports to assist affected travelers, and waived change and cancellation fees for those impacted.

The disruption comes as Middle Eastern airports play an increasingly vital role as global transit hubs, particularly since the Russia-Ukraine conflict forced airlines to avoid those countries’ airspace. Last year, Dubai alone handled more than 92 million passengers, with a daily average exceeding 250,000. The incident underscores the vulnerability of international air travel to geopolitical tensions in the region, with ripple effects felt by travelers and airlines worldwide

Dubai’s Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free have taken a major step toward embracing digital currencies by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Crypto.com to enable cryptocurrency payments for flight bookings and retail purchases. The agreements, signed on July 8, 2025, at Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai, mark a pioneering move to integrate Crypto.com Pay into their payment ecosystems, with implementation expected to begin next year.

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, highlighted that the partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to adapting to evolving customer preferences and attracting younger, tech-savvy travelers who favor digital currencies. He noted that this initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision to lead in financial innovation while providing customers with greater flexibility and choice in how they transact with Emirates.

Dubai Duty Free, which posted a turnover of AED 4.118 billion in the first half of 2025, will enable crypto payments both in-store and online, enhancing the retail experience for millions of international travelers passing through Dubai International Airport. Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi described the move as a forward-looking step that adds significant value to their diverse customer base and supports sustained growth.

The MoUs also include plans for strategic collaborations such as joint marketing campaigns and customer engagement programs to promote awareness and adoption of cryptocurrency payments. Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, emphasized that partnering with Emirates and Dubai Duty Free will accelerate mainstream adoption of digital assets and bring real momentum to the crypto industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to become a global hub for crypto and digital finance innovation. The emirate has already established regulatory frameworks like the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and hosts over 650 crypto companies in free zones such as DMCC. Other sectors, including real estate and petroleum retail, are also integrating cryptocurrencies, as seen in partnerships like Crypto.com’s recent collaboration with Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat) to enable crypto payments at service stations.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, and other senior executives from Emirates and Crypto.com were present at the signing ceremony, underscoring the strategic importance of these partnerships in transforming travel and commerce through advanced digital payment solutions.

By enabling cryptocurrency payments, Emirates and Dubai Duty Free are positioning themselves at the forefront of the digital economy, offering travelers innovative, secure, and convenient payment options that reflect the future of global commerce.

Emirates Skywards has officially reinstated points transfers from all major U.S. credit card loyalty programs, following a suspension that began in late May 2025 due to an upgrade of the airline’s internal loyalty management system.

This upgrade required Emirates and its partners—American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, and Citi ThankYou points—to temporarily halt the ability to transfer points into the Skywards program while technical systems were rebuilt to accommodate the new platform.

The blackout period varied by issuer, with Bilt pausing transfers from May 27 to June 19, Chase from May 29 to June 30, and Amex implementing a suspension from May 28 with no initially announced end date.

The restoration of transfer capability comes as a relief to travelers who rely on Skywards for premium cabin redemptions, especially since Emirates is often the most direct route to booking its sought-after business and first class seats, despite higher award costs and carrier-imposed surcharges. Notably, the transfer process appears to be functioning smoothly, with many users reporting instant transfers, though times may vary by issuer.

However, significant changes are on the horizon. From July 27, 2025, Citi ThankYou points will transfer to Emirates Skywards at a reduced 5:4 ratio, meaning 1,000 Citi points will yield only 800 Skywards miles—a 20% devaluation from the previous 1:1 rate. There is speculation that similar changes could occur with other issuers, though no announcements have been made.

Additionally, Emirates now restricts first-class award redemptions to Skywards elite members, but travelers can still access first-class seats by transferring points to partner programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer, which maintains a 1:1 transfer ratio with several U.S. credit cards.

Emirates Skywards also maintains partnerships with numerous airlines, including Air Canada, Bangkok Airways, Copa Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Qantas, providing members with a broad range of options for earning and redeeming miles beyond Emirates flights. The recent developments underscore both the continued value and evolving landscape of the Skywards program for frequent flyers and points enthusiasts

Emirates and Uber have entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at transforming the travel experience for UAE-based passengers by tightly integrating air and ground transport, enhancing convenience, and expanding loyalty rewards.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim and Uber’s Vice President and Head of EMEA Mobility Anabel Diaz Calderon, sets the stage for a range of new services and benefits for travelers across the Emirates network.

A central feature of the partnership is the development of an integrated booking experience, allowing Emirates customers to arrange Uber rides—whether for airport transfers or in-city travel—directly through the Emirates booking platform. This innovation is designed to streamline the entire journey, enabling passengers to seamlessly coordinate their ground transportation with their flight itineraries. For select travelers, Emirates and Uber are exploring the possibility of complimentary Uber rides to and from airports, delivering a true “door-to-destination” service.

The collaboration also brings significant enhancements to the Emirates Skywards loyalty program. UAE-based Skywards members will soon be able to earn Miles on Uber rides taken in select markets within the Emirates network, and plans are underway to allow these Miles to be redeemed for Uber ride credits or vouchers. This initiative is expected to be accompanied by exclusive promotions, bonus earning opportunities, and targeted offers to further incentivize travelers.

Beyond passenger transport, the partnership extends into logistics, with both companies set to explore the integration of Uber’s delivery infrastructure into Emirates Courier Express for last-mile deliveries. This could improve delivery speed and coverage, especially in densely populated urban areas, by leveraging Uber’s global delivery network.

Technical and commercial details, including the specifics of reward structures, eligible markets, and rollout timelines, are still being finalized. Emirates and Uber plan to launch joint marketing campaigns to promote the new services and benefits as they become available.

Industry analysts note that this partnership aligns with a broader trend of airlines seeking to control more of the passenger journey, providing holistic, digitally integrated travel solutions that meet rising customer expectations for seamless, end-to-end service.

Both companies have emphasized their commitment to redefining the travel experience for millions of passengers, with Emirates aiming to expand planning options and Uber gaining increased visibility among premium travelers and airport-centric demand in key hubs like Dubai. The partnership is expected to set a new standard for integrated travel and loyalty benefits in the region.

As families prepare for the busy school holiday travel season, Emirates is introducing an exciting new collection of toys and amenities designed especially for young travelers. With around one million children expected to fly with the airline this summer, Emirates is set to delight its youngest passengers with free bags, plush toys, and collectible items tailored to different age groups.

The new kids’ kits feature a variety of themes, including football, tennis, basketball, sailing, golf, horse riding, cycling, cricket, rugby, music, and literature. These thoughtfully designed kits include essential items and boredom-busting toys, made from sustainable materials and safety-certified to ensure a worry-free experience for parents.

For babies and infants up to two years old, the kits include a reusable changing mat, Naif nurturing cream, cleansing wipes, a wipe-clean bib, a spoon that doubles as a teether, a soothing vibrating plush toy that can be attached to a seat or stroller, and a collectible cozy blanket to keep little ones comfortable and entertained.

Children aged three to six receive a special themed backpack to keep their favorite belongings safe during travel. Options include a literature-inspired Tiny Treasures backpack, an adventure backpack, a football backpack, or a tennis crossbody backpack. These kits also come with the in-flight Fly with Me magazine, which now features collectible character cards, coloring pages, puzzles, and other engaging travel activities.

For kids aged seven to twelve, Emirates offers stylish bags from its latest lifestyle collection, including a collectible Big City crossbody bag, an explorer backpack, and a Training Day duffle bag. These kits are complemented by activity packs and headphones designed to keep older children entertained throughout the flight.

In addition to the onboard offerings, Emirates has made its Little Travellers’ collection available for purchase online. The range includes colorful caps, t-shirts, beach day lunch bags, water bottles, pencil cases, keyrings, and activity books. For young aviation enthusiasts, the airline offers cabin crew and pilot uniforms for children aged one to ten, as well as onesies for babies up to 18 months.

Emirates’ commitment to family-friendly travel is further reflected in its priority boarding, dedicated check-in areas, and specially designed play zones in airport lounges, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for both children and their parents. With over 250 kids’ movies and TV shows, music, and up to 100 games available through the inflight entertainment system, young travelers are sure to have a memorable and fun-filled experience this summer.

Qatar Airways is elevating its culinary offerings through an exciting partnership with renowned French chef Yannick Alléno, whose 19 restaurants across seven countries have collectively earned 17 Michelin stars. This collaboration brings Alléno’s modern French cuisine to both inflight menus and premium lounge dining experiences.

First and Business Class passengers traveling on select flights between Paris and Doha will be the first to savor Alléno’s specially crafted inflight menus. These feature “ingredient-led cooking” and innovative techniques such as fermentation, reflecting the chef’s dedication to culinary artistry and innovation.

On the ground, Alléno’s acclaimed Pavyllon restaurant, known for its locations in Paris, Monte Carlo, and London, will make its airside debut inside Qatar Airways’ First Class Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport. The lounge restaurant will mirror the Pavyllon concept with counter seating facing an open kitchen, offering guests an immersive dining experience akin to a live culinary performance.

Qatar Airways’ lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport will also showcase a selection of exclusive creations by Alléno, though specific details have yet to be announced.

Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways’ Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer, emphasized the airline’s commitment to innovation and excellence, stating, “Chef Yannick Alléno one of the most celebrated names in global gastronomy represents a benchmark for excellence that reflects our shared passion for innovation, sophistication, and the art of hospitality.”

This partnership aligns with a growing trend among airlines to collaborate with award-winning chefs to enhance the onboard and lounge dining experience. For example, Air France recently teamed up with Daniel Boulud to create dishes for its La Première and Business Class passengers on flights departing the US, with the rollout starting in July.

Qatar Airways continues to set new standards in luxury travel by combining world-class gastronomy with exceptional service, ensuring that passengers enjoy unforgettable dining experiences both in the air and on the ground.